Friday, 25 May 2018 09:00:00 Europe/London

Tea Buyers Guide - Part 6

This final blog in the current series of our Tea buying guide, takes a look at White Tea.

A true tea type, White Tea was first developed centuries ago in China (perhaps as long ago as 1105AD), and is perhaps the tea closest to a freshly plucked tea leaf. White Tea undergoes minimal processing, which means fresh leaves are virtually harvested and dried.

Some accidental oxidation will occur, but the aim is to keep the tea delicate and light. White Teas are considered very premium and in some cases extremely rare. Like all tea though, quality can vary greatly.

We will again start by highlighting a few notable values of Fruit Infusions, then suggest a few teas with very different flavour profiles. We’ll begin by considering what all Fruit Infusions have in common.

Caffeine – Yes

Flavour – Fruity, earthy, nutty, delicate

Oxidised – Can be very slightly

Brewing – Approx 75-80c for 2/3 mins

Milk – Not recommended

Here are five great White Teas available in our online store. Which will suit your palate?

Pai Mu Tan – Pure white tea from China, named so due to the silvery white hairs found on the buds. Pai Mu Tan is a peony style tea, so contains buds/silver needles and leaf. An elegant tea with delicate flavours of peach and nuttiness.

Mao Feng – Slightly stronger than some White Tea, this Mao Feng almost creeps into the realms of Green Tea. Lovely large leaves, which require careful attention when brewing, to offer a truly refreshing cuppa. Packed with bright, sharp flavours that offer a slightly different take on White Tea.

Dalreoch White Tea – A Scottish grown tea of great character! Sweet notes of peach, melon and a certain nuttiness, all enveloped in subtle hints of pine, vanilla and grape, which are beyond silky and smooth. The unique Scottish terroir has produced a true delight.

Dalreoch Smoked White Tea – This tea has a wonderfully delicate smoky aroma, whose purpose is to complement the natural sweetness of the tea. Gently smoked over smouldering embers of locally felled beech wood, one can expect the fruity, peachy and slightly nutty tones inherent in this tea, with a very delicate initial hint of smoke and a dark gold colour. A unique flavour experience for the White Tea lovers!

Buittle Rose Peony – This Scottish Tea offers a combination of youthful tea and smooth delicate rose fragrance, which is something to behold. Waves of sweet rose come and go, as the nutty, fruity white tea washes over the palate. Very delicate, yet complex layers of sweet, smooth, earthy flavours that just leave the senses inspired.

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Monday, 14 May 2018 09:45:00 Europe/London

Tea Buyers Guide - Part 5

Continuing our buying guide, we will now take a look at Fruit Tea, strictly speaking Fruit Infusions or Tisanes.

Continuing our buying guide, we will now take a look at Fruit Tea, strictly speaking Fruit Infusions or Tisanes. Fruity teas have surged in popularity over the last few decades, and there is no doubt caffeine avoiders and those keen on sweeter, lighter flavoured hot drinks have helped in the growth of this alternative section of the tea industry.

Most fruit teas are created by using dried fruit, roots, peels, flowers and virtually all commercial fruit teas rely on flavouring to offer a true fruity flavoured tea drinking experience. Most berry based fruit infusions are quite acidic, whereas some of our favourite fruit teas don’t have much berry content and are much lower in acid.

We will again start by highlighting a few notable values of Fruit Infusions, then suggest a few teas with very different flavour profiles. We’ll begin by considering what all Fruit Infusions have in common.

Caffeine – No

Flavour – Fruity, sweet, acidic, sour, tangy

Oxidised – No

Brewing – Approx 95c

Milk – Not recommended

Here are five great Fruit Teas with very different flavour profiles. How do you like yours?

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Thursday, 3 May 2018 01:45:00 Europe/London

Tea Buyers Guide - Part 4

Continuing our buying guide, we will now take a look at Oolong Tea. Oolong teas are arguably the most complex type of tea.

Oolongs tea are generally oxidised to somewhere between 10 and 80% meaning there is huge scope in variety, and consequently flavour. For many, this is part of the attraction of course! Exploring Oolong Teas is a lot of fun, and there are so many unique flavours to experience. Whether you are looking for a delicate Greenish tea or a deeper almost Black Tea – there is surely an Oolong Tea for everyone!

We will again start by highlighting a few notable values of Oolong Teas, then suggest a few teas with very different flavour profiles. We’ll begin by considering what all Oolong Teas do have in common.

Caffeine – Yes

Flavour – Very varied – from light & sweet to deep & nutty.

Oxidised – Yes

Brewing – Approx 85c for 2-3 minutes

Milk – Not recommended

Here are five great Oolong Teas with very different flavour profiles. How do you like yours?

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Friday, 27 April 2018 11:22:00 Europe/London

Tea Buyers Guide - Part 3

Continuing our buying guide, we will now take a look at Herbal Tea…or as it should be called – Herbal Infusions.

It would be fair to say most Herbal Infusions are not new and have historically come from a place of healing or medicinal purpose. Our ancestors had uses for many flowers, roots and even weeds that remain popular today, although we make no claims about guaranteed healing properties! There is of course not normally smoke without fire!

We will again start by highlighting a few notable values of Herbal Infusions, then suggest a few teas with very different flavour profiles. We’ll begin by considering what all Herbal Infusions have in common.

Caffeine – no

Flavour – Can range from floral to sweet – usually no tannins though so lighter flavours

Oxidised – No

Brewing – Approx 95c for as long as you like – no bitterness should prevail

Milk – Not recommended

Here are five great Herbal Infusions with very different flavour profiles. How do you like yours?

Peppermint Infusion (China) – Very fresh, zingy and full of menthol vapours. Often associated with helping digestion. Naturally sweet flavours.

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Thursday, 26 April 2018 12:22:00 Europe/London

When we launched our first Chocolate Teas two years ago – we had no idea just how popular they would become!

Lately, it seems the trend is continuing, and we have seen a marked rise in sales of these teas. In many ways – that makes us really happy, and confirms our belief that the Great British Tea Drinking public just love invention and variety in their tea options.

Dark Chocolate Breakfast

Chocolate Rooibos Cream Truffle

If you love the sensation of soft creamy melting truffles complemented by the sweet taste of Rooibos then this chocolate infusion is for you.

As Tea blenders, we have noted before that often it is a gamble to create blends that perhaps push the boundaries, and challenge perceptions of what tea ought to be. Our more unusual blends will often require ingredients not normally associated with tea, and we work hard to make you fully aware of these in our ingredients listing.

It can be these odd little additions that make all the difference though! If you aren’t familiar with our range of Chocolate Tea, here is a quick reminder! Oh..and to celebrate their success, we have jazzed up the packaging a bit, and have extended our 3 for 2 offering…but not forever! Be quick!